BOMBARDIER Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 400) airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2003-NM-163-AD] - revises an earlier proposal that would have required performing repetitive inspections of the electrical harnesses of the spoiler and the brake pressure sensor unit on both sides of the wing root to detect any chafing or wire damage and repairing or replacing any damaged or chafed harness or wire with a new harness, as applicable.
DAVID ALMY, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the National Business Aviation Association, is resigning after 12 years with the association to pursue another opportunity. NBAA said Almy would assist NBAA during a transition period. Dan Hubbard, NBAA vice president of communications, will manage NBAA's communications programs, and the association will hire an individual to handle marketing and membership programs.
A coalition of airframe and engine manufacturers, one intense potential customer and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are on the verge of launching a proof-of-concept program to determine whether the sonic signature of a supersonic business jet (SSBJ) can be sufficiently quieted to make such an aircraft practical for operation over populated areas.
DELTA AIRELITE's revenue flight hours soared 53 percent in 2004 compared with 2003 and were up 30 percent during the first half of this year, the company said. As a result of the strong growth, Delta AirElite is now offering revenue guarantees to aircraft owners who sign up their aircraft for participation in the Delta AirElite charter fleet. The company, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, said the February 2003 introduction of its Jet Card program has been a significant catalyst in the company's growth.
DASSAULT FALCON JET named Jacques Chauvet vice president-Falcon customer service-Eastern Hemisphere. Chauvet, who will be based in St. Cloud, France, is now responsible for all Falcon-related customer service for Falcon operators in Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East. His counterpart is Gerry Goguen, senior vice president- customer service for the Western Hemisphere, who is based at the Teterboro, N.J. Airport. Chauvet replaces Claude Frey, who retired after serving with Dassault since 1965.
JAMES WILLIAMS was elected a member of the board of directors for RTI International Metals. Williams was a partner at Ernst & Young and has more than 37 years of experience working with large multi-location clients. He retired in September 2003.
BOMBARDIER SKYJET signed an agreement to provide business aircraft transportation to customers of Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs via A&K Jets. Abercrombie & Kent Destinations, headquartered in Westport, Conn., provides "leisure, social and professional lifestyle management services" designed to meet "the needs of affluent, active individuals for whom travel is an essential part of their lifestyle."
THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET Tuesday officially received the Transportation Security Administration's interim final rule (IFR) to establish a security protocol that would provide business aviation operators access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and the TSA subsequently released the IFR publicly on its Web site. OMB can take up to 90 days to review an IFR, but business aviation advocates are optimistic the review will take much less time.
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL won a contract to design and manufacture three advanced technology aircraft simulators for the Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program of the Canadian Forces. The simulators will be used to train crews flying Beech King Air C-90s and Bell Helicopter 412s.
THE RELEASE OF THE IFR came as Chertoff completed his review of the Department of Homeland Security. Chertoff last week announced a reorganization and said he wanted to move on a number of initiatives, including the elimination of the oft-criticized rule that requires passengers on flights from DCA to remain seated for 30 minutes after takeoff and for inbound passengers to stay in their seats for the last 30 minutes of the flight.
EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ and EMB-145XR series airplanes [Docket No. 2004-NM-36-AD] - revises an earlier proposal that would have required installation of an additional indication device to the clear-ice indication system. This new action revises the proposed rule by changing the description of the unsafe condition, and by adding instructions for modifying certain existing circuits, replacing an existing indicator lamp with a new, improved lamp, and performing other required corrections/modifications.
MEGHAN ALLEN joined United Space Alliance as director of legislative affairs in Washington, D.C. Allen previously was director of congressional relations for GenCorp/Aerojet, where she oversaw activities involving Congress related to NASA and the Department of Defense. Before that, she handled environmental and defense issues for former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.)
TWO VETERAN AIRSHOW PERFORMERS were killed last week during a show in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Jim Franklin and Bobby Younkin were performing their "Masters of Disaster" air show act July 10 when their aircraft collided and both men were killed. Jim LeRoy, another member of the team, was in the air at the same time in his Bulldog biplane, but he landed safely without injury. The Experimental Aircraft Association said Franklin was best known for his vintage Waco biplane that included a jet engine for greater climb performance.
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY CT64-820-4 turboprop engines [Docket No. FAA-2005-21586; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-16-AD; Amendment 39-14148; AD 2005-13-11] - requires, for CT64-820-4 turboprop engines with Stage 1 turbine disk and shaft, part number (P/N) 6004T47P03 or 4921T10P02 installed, removing from service these Stage 1 turbine disk and shafts at reduced compliance times. This AD results from the discovery by the manufacturer of low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) cracks found in Stage 1 turbine disk and shafts, P/Ns 6004T47P03 and 4921T10P02.
FOKKER Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2005-20871; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-212-AD; Amendment 39-14169; AD 2005-13-32] - requires a detailed inspection to determine the presence of incorrectly installed bushings in the attachment holes of the reinforcing strap of the left- and right-hand wings' lower skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report that bushings were installed in accordance with improper procedures in the structural repair manual.
GAO: FAA MAKING PROGRESS IN ATC PROGRAMS, BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN Although FAA has made progress recently in managing its troubled air traffic control acquisition programs, challenges remain for the agency as it seeks to keep pace with projected demand, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
JOE TOMPKINS was promoted to director of standards for Executive Jet Management (EJM). Tompkins will head a recently reorganized Standards Department that will be handling the combined functions of international standards and charter vendor standards. Tompkins joined EJM in 1998, and most recently was director of internal standards. Before that he was manager of the aviation department and chief pilot at Multimedia, Inc.
FRENCH MANUFACTURER Dassault now has two 7X business jets flying, following a July 6 first flight of S/N 02, Registration F-WTDA, from the manufacturer's facility in Bordeaux-Merignac, France. The initial flight lasted two and one-quarter hours, including a series of systems tests. The airplane was then flown to Dassault's flight test center in Istres, France where it will be used primarily for systems certification. The program has logged more than 65 hours aloft during nearly 30 flights and the 7X has achieved MMO (.90 Mach) and VMO (370 KIAS).
EMBRAER OPENS NEW BRAZILIAN SERVICE CENTER Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has opened its third service center in Brazil. The new facility is in Gaviao Peixoto, 230 miles from Sao Jose dos Campos where Embraer is headquartered. The new 32,300-square-foot facility is authorized to perform maintenance under the requirements of both the U.S. FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The facility has seven buildings -- five hangars and two administrative offices.
